On the second page of Google.

I love that joke. It’s funny because there’s some truth behind it – 75% of people will never scroll past the first page on a Google Maps search.

This means that it’s much less likely somebody will find your site if it isn’t listed on the first page.

You may be saying to yourself: “Duh, so how do I get to the first page of Google Maps”?

Well, that’s not an easy question to answer in a short email. It’s like asking Gordon Ramsey, “How do I make the perfect Beef Wellington”?

It’s complex, complicated and he couldn’t tell you in an email.

But, he could give you some tips to make it a little easier, just like I can give you some tips to help make ranking a little easier.

Depending on your competition and how your website was built, these changes (which you can do on your own) will help you rank higher in Google Maps listings:

1. Claim your listing on Google Business – https://www.google.com/business/ Many people don’t realize that they need to claim their listing with google
2. Verify your listing to make sure your contact information, SEO keywords and hours are accurate – the more correct information Google knows about you the easier you’ll rank.
3. Get Google Reviews – the more reviews you get, the more trustworthy Google sees you. Google rankings are all about trustworthiness.
4. Embed a Google Map on your website – This lets Google know that your business is located where you say it is.
5. Use a local telephone number – Google ranks 800 numbers and out of town area codes lower because they’re more likely to be spam than local area codes.
6. Add photos – Photos increase trust with Google and your customers.

Hit “reply” if this email was helpful and you’d like me to go into more detail – with step by step instructions – for each of the 6 tips. (Along with maybe some bonus tips)

The Takeaway: Ranking high in Google is important. Use these 6 tips to rank higher in Google Maps.